Art, advocacy, and human stories at the front lines of our plastic-impacted world.

This program explores the global plastic crisis through deeply personal stories, creative responses, community action, and bold calls for change. From artists transforming waste into meaning, to youth advocates and local leaders shaping new futures, these films illuminate how plastic touches every coastline, culture, and life — and how people everywhere are rising to meet the challenge.

Featured Films

Tess Felix – Portrait of an Artist (8 min)

Directed by Cynthia Abbott

A vibrant profile of artist Tess Felix, whose stunning portraits repurpose plastic debris into powerful visual commentary. This short film highlights the transformative potential of art to confront and reimagine our relationship with waste.

My Journey Across the Ocean (A) (4 min)

Directed by Madeleine Toomey

A personal reflection from a young filmmaker coming face-to-face with the plastic problem. Through a journey at sea, she reveals the heartbreak, urgency, and hope that come from witnessing ocean pollution firsthand.

Casa Congo: Las Tejedoras (2025) (21 min)

Directed by Casa Congo Documentary

In Nicaragua, a group of women artisans turns washed-up plastic into intricate woven art that preserves culture, protects the coast, and empowers the community. A story of resilience, creativity, and the healing power of collective action.

Gyre: Creating Art from a Plastic Ocean (2015) (23 min)

Directed by JJ Kelley

Following artists and scientists who join forces in Alaska, this film examines the plastic pollution found in remote waters and transforms it into collaborative art. A visually striking exploration of how beauty and activism intersect.

Plastic Is Forever (2017) (20 min)

Directed by Dylan D’Haeze

Told through the perspective of an 11-year-old filmmaker, this award-winning documentary breaks down the science and consequences of plastic waste — and shows how young people can champion meaningful solutions.

@415 Plumber’s #OB Plastic Obsession (7 min)

Directed by Jeff den Broeder

In this quirky, candid short, a San Francisco plumber documents the staggering amount of plastic he encounters daily — both at work and in the world around him. A humorous but eye-opening reminder of how plastic permeates our everyday lives.